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CORBIN, KENTUCKY

The Beauty of Cumberland Falls and the Traditions, Legends & Music of Appalachia

This program was a rare combination of an excellent educational experience and a great value for the money. There was a wide range of presenters from pure lecture, to performance and demonstrations, to participation and each one added to an overall understanding of Appalachian culture. Lodging and food was excellent, the setting was lovely and serene, and the leaders were a pleasure to deal with. We were extremely pleased.

Norman and Betsy from Lawrenceville, Georgia:
We thoroughly enjoyed this program! It was very well organized. All of the events/meetings/lectures were interesting and educational. We highly recommend this program! Of course, we met some great folks too!

This was my first Road Scholar program and what an introduction to Road Scholars it was! The presenters, the facilitators, the location, the other participants were outstanding. For me the exposure to Appalachian music and musicians as well as culture were the highlights.

This was my first Road Scholar trip, and I can't help thinking it is the Gold Standard. The trip leaders, Forest Rangers Bret and Steve, were knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and caring leaders. Their enthusiasm for the Cumberland Falls area was catching! The speakers were excellent, the field trips fun and appropriately challenging, and the entertainment was a pleasant surprise. No one could come away from this program without a greater understanding of Appalachian history and culture. It was a great introduction for me to Road Scholars.

It was fantastic! The lodge and scenery were beautiful. The program leaders were friendly, professional, helpful, organized and knowledgeable. One could choose from an assortment of nature hikes of various lengths/terrain/features. We took field trips to Cumberland Falls (Moonbow), a National Park with "ghost" coal mining camp, then trip to restored coal mining camp and historic mine one could go into...scenic overlooks and arches. There was a wide variety of speakers and entertainment, including mountain storyteller; demonstrations of area crafts; Appalachian music performances; one-man "play" about famous local person; live raptor show by high school students. We learned about reclamation of surface-mined areas and planting a new variety of chestnut tree; area geology, geography, flora and history (Kentucky state historian), people of the area (historical postcards), settlement schools....Oh yes, we also learned some Appalachian dances. The program leaders were aware of the differing physical abilities of participants, and provided enjoyable experiences for all ability levels. As always, participants were congenial and one could make new friends easily. It was a great Road Scholar trip, and I was sorry when it was over!

This was a wonderful experience, but thought it to be more moderately challenging than just moderate. Very rustic setting, food not varied, but all personnel were wonderful. Enjoyed the diversity of the programs presented.

This is actually a two part program. You'll learn about the people of Appalachia and the natural area of Kentucky. Staying in a State Park Lodge is rustic, but the ambiance kicks it up a notch. Comfort food and plentiful. Staff was great and how many places can you see a Moonbow?

this was a great first Road Scholar experience. Loved the variety and presenters. The lodge personnell were outstanding. The music, the birds, the lectures, and the love of the area impressed us. Bertie

Coordinators, presenters and facility staff were outstanding; the program offered information and experiences through lectures and field trips that were educational and entertaining. Alternative hikes allowed participants to choose according to their physical ability. No down side to this program.

If you really would like to learn more about the Appalachian region, the people, economy, mining and it's affect on the region, the geology and the Cumberland Falls then this is the program to see. The evening programs were great.

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*Please note that due to the nature of some programs, the remote location or government regulations, listening devices may not be available. If you’d like to know for sure if your program will offer listening devices, just call and ask an Advisor!